Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there: your car keys won't turn on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient times, like when you're loading your trunk with groceries or returning home from work.
There are many solutions that can bring you back on the way. Here are a few common key issues in the automotive industry and their solutions:
Broken or bent keys
A bent key is the most common reason a car owner can't start their vehicle. This can be repaired by simply bending the key. It might sound easy, but it is important to do it carefully. The key is extremely thin, and bending it even one degree can cause it to break.
You will need a stable work surface as well as a pair of pliers to do this. Pick up one end of the key with the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This should be done on a flat surface or in a vise. You can then place it inside the lock to see if it changes.
If not, it could be time to get a new key cut. This will prevent you from having to call a locksmith and will ensure your key will work.
Keep a spare key in your pocket to ensure you don't have a way to enter your vehicle in the event that your key is damaged.
If you are having trouble inserting a broken or bent lock key, try applying lubricant to it. This will enable it move more easily through the cylinder and prevent it from becoming stuck. It is possible to use a spray lubricant or graphite powder. If using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it for more precise application. This will also stop moisture from damaging your key.
Stuck pins and springs
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring may become stuck. Pins are small 2 to 3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm) long piece of steel with hollow ends that are used to connect two components of an equipment. In the majority of instances, you can take out pins by pulling it out using your fingers or using a wrench.
If you own an older car that uses microchip keys it is possible that the key will need to be programmed in order to work with your car. This process is different based on the car and manufacturer.
If you need assistance with your keys for your vehicle or locks, give us a call! We can repair, replace or programme nearly any key for your vehicle.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's important to take it to an expert mechanic immediately. It's a security issue and you could cause serious damage to your vehicle if you continue to drive it. This could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems that are expensive to fix.
Most of the time this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason that the gear selector could get stuck is because one of the cable ends has snapped, or separated from the lever itself. This is a simple fix and the mechanic can usually fix it within a few minutes.
In certain instances the gear selector bushing may become damaged or worn out. Rubber covers are placed around the joints of the gear system to make it more fluid. They function in a similar way to cartilage in your knees, therefore it is important to ensure to keep them healthy and flexible.
You can extend their life by doing a few basic things. You should first avoid using the gear selection in extremely cold temperatures. This is because the cables controlling the gear are prone to freezing and cracking. You should also replace your bushings, for instance those made by First Line, with high-quality ones.
These bushings form an essential component of your selection of gears and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice yours is damaged it is best to visit an auto repair shop that is specialized in car key repair shops near me Land Rover repairs. They will help you find the perfect parts to repair your gear selector device. They also offer many other services such as maintenance and repair of your transmission.
Dead battery
If you turn on your key in the ignition but you don't hear anything but a click, then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they age, they go through a natural process that causes them to die early. This is due to the negative plates inside the battery of your car will begin to be coated with sulfate crystals.
A dead battery may cause the loss of electrical power within your vehicle which can cause the radio or the electric windows to malfunction. If you've had difficulty starting your car during cold weather, it could be a sign that you need an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes your problem might not be due to a dead battery, but rather a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. Having your mechanic check to make sure that the alternator, serpentine belt, and battery cables are all working properly could solve this issue.
Key fobs that are not working properly is another common issue with automotive keys. The key fob is a tiny device that connects to the vehicle's computer and relays commands and signals between the engine and the accessory systems. This system can be confused or cease communicating if it becomes submerged or is exposed to extreme temperatures.
Follow the directions in your owner's guide to reset the keyfob that was lost. Depending on the type of vehicle it will require opening and closing the doors, turning lights and other electronics on and off by pressing a particular sequence of buttons. If this does not fix your fob it may require professional programming, that will require the assistance of a technician. Try these easy techniques before buying an entirely new fob.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder that when inserted into ignition, sends out a signal. The signal informs the immobilizer on the car whether the key is the correct one for it to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became such an issue that many manufacturers fitted this transponder security system in their vehicles to ensure safety and insurance purposes.
If you have a brand newer vehicle, the only way to replace your keys could be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Write down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your vehicle before you leave. This number is usually found on the front of the dashboard or door jamb in your owner's manual.
Bring your current working key along to an AutoZone store and a representative will employ a machine to trace the contours of the key blank to accurately duplicate the original key. They will then cut the new key with an exact cutting machine in-store. If your key is equipped with a blade, a fob, or a thick head that is grey or black it must be programmed to your car before you can start the motor.